Animals of Discovery Park
Over 30 species of mammals have been observed in Discovery Park in the last 50 years. The wide variety of habits makes Discovery Park an oasis for wildlife in Seattle. The park is also home to more than 250 species of insects, reptiles, amphibians, and more than 300 species of birds.
The forests, meadows, beaches and streams of Discovery Park are home to countless wildlife. How many will you see today?
Black Tailed Deer
A family of black tailed deer live in the park. They can be elusive but not an uncommon sight. Dawn or dusk are good times to keep an eye out for them.
Harbor Seal
Seals and Sea Lions can often be seen swimming in Puget Sound from Discovery Park. If you see a seal on the beach Seal Sitters recommends staying at least 100 yards away.
Coyote
A family group of coyotes live in Discovery Park and have successfully raised pups. For information about co-existing with carnivores visit Seattle Urban Carnivore Project.
River Otters
River otters live on land but hunt in the waters of Puget Sound. They have raised young otters at Discovery Park in recent years.
Mountain Beaver
The mountain beaver is the oldest known living rodent, going back to the late Paleocene. Mountain beavers are not related damn-building beavers.
Garter Snake
The Northwestern and Terrestrial Gartner Snake live in Discovery Park. Northwestern garter snakes give birth to their young rather than lay eggs.
Alligator Lizard
The University of Washington Restoration Ecology Network adopted restoration site in the South Meadow of Discovery Park which they lovingly named Lizard Haven.
Photo by Andrej Montano ©
Townsend Chipmunk
along with the native Douglas’ Squirrel, Douglas which mostly eat seeds of coniferous trees, and non-native Eastern Gray Squirrel make Discovery Park home.
Plants
Over 450 species of plants fill the habitats of Discovery Park. As part of the habitat restoration at the park volunteers plant 100s of native plants per year.
Discovery Park is a wildlife refuge in the heart of the Seattle
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